Each year, the award is given to a theatre educator who has influenced the lives of students and proved themselves to be an exemplary teacher. The winner was selected by a group of judges from American Theatre Wing, The Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon University, and other theater industry leaders. Herzfeld received a $10,000 prize for her theater program.

During the February 14 shooting, Herzfeld hid 65 students in her drama classroom for two hours until they were brought to safety.

Many of her students have been outspoken in the months following the shooting — and Herzfeld thinks lessons her students learned in the drama classroom empowered them to emerge as leaders.

"We all want the same thing, we cannot deny it. To be heard, to hit our mark, to tell our truth, to make difference, and to be loyally respected. We teach this every day in every arts classes," Herzfeld said. "Imagine if arts were considered core? A core class in education? Imagine."

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